Disposable beverage press

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to patent application Ser. No. 12/437,093, whichapplication claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisionalutility application 61/126,773, filed on May 7, 2008, of which bothapplications are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to a French coffee press, andmore specifically, to a method, system and apparatus for preparing a cupof coffee, tea or other infused beverage in the same manner as a Frenchcoffee press using a disposable lid system and a standard disposablecup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage presses are found in several forms. For example, a traditionalFrench press is a device for preparing French press coffee. A Frenchpress usually consists of at least a cylindrical jug (usually glass orplastic), a lid, and a press ring disposed beneath the lid and connectedto a rod that extends through and above the lid. The press ring may bemade of metal or plastic, and includes a filter, often made of finewire. The press ring is often circular, with a diameter slightly smallerthan the diameter of the cylindrical jug, so that the periphery of thepress ring contacts the inner wall of the jug, forming a seal. Thefilter is disposed in the press ring such that the hot liquid and alsooils from rough coffee grounds may pass through, but grounds and otherdebris are stopped.

The operation of a traditional French press is as follows. First, roughground coffee is placed at the bottom of the jug. Next, a hot liquid ispoured into the jug, over the rough ground coffee. The oils from thegrounds permeate and infuse the liquid and then, the grounds are“pressed” to the bottom of the jug by the press ring, by means of therod. The grounds are held at the bottom of the jug by the press ring.

Presently, in order to offer French press coffee, many coffee retailersprepare the coffee using a traditional French press, and then pour theFrench press coffee into a disposable “to-go” coffee cup, or into a “forhere” mug. The disposable cups sold by retailers are usually tapered,often made of paper or Styrofoam®. This manner of preparing French presscoffee poses a problem because it typically takes three or four minutesto prepare each cup. Additionally, the French press must be cleanedafter each use. This is not efficient or practical for a coffee retailerthat depends on a high volume of coffee sales in order to be profitable.

Thus, there is a need for a quick and cost-effective method for servingFrench press coffee.

One potential solution is to replace the jug of a traditional Frenchpress with a disposable “to-go” coffee cup. U.S. Published PatentApplication 20050139091 (“Haverstock”), is an example of such systems.In Haverstock, a separate rod and press are used with a disposable cupand dome lid. A hole is pre-fabricated into the dome lid for the rod.The customer must install the press ring in the cup, and then press therough grounds.

There are multiple problems with Haverstock and similar designs thatrender it unsatisfactory. First, the hot liquid softens paper cups suchthat the force of the press ring on the inner wall of the cup flexeswalls. The flexing creates space between the press ring and the innerwall of the cup, through which grounds and other debris may pass makingthe coffee undrinkable. The farther the press ring moves along thetapered length of the disposable cup, the more severe the flexing. Thisflaw exists whether the disposable cup is made of paper, Styrofoam, oreven plastic. Furthermore, the hole in the lid as described byHaverstock allows hot liquid to pour out onto the customer as the cup istipped.

Thus, there exists a need for a disposable French press that can operatewith a typical disposable “to-go” coffee cup.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, thereis provided a press ring used in a beverage press, the press ringincluding a support member; a filter disposed over the support member; aperimeter portion that is connected to the support member by a flexibleattachment element.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a dome lid for a beverage container, thedome lid including body having a substantially circular planer topsurface; a filter slot on the body; a guide hole though thesubstantially circular planar top surface; and a sealing portion aroundthe guide hole.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a lid system for a beverage container, the system includinga dome lid for a beverage container; and a filter insertable into afilter slot in the dome lid.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a lid and press system for a beverage container, the lid andpress system including a press ring having a first filter; and a domelid having a second filter.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a lid and press system for a beverage container, the systemcomprising a press ring having a first filter and a guide portion; adome lid having a second filter and a guide hole; and a beveragecontainer. According to this exemplary embodiment, the press ring isconnected to the dome lid by the guide portion fitted into the guidehole, and the dome lid is fitted above the beverage container.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a method of separating material from a liquid, the methodincluding the steps of: pressing material in a liquid to the bottom of acontainer with a press ring so that the liquid passes through a firstfilter as the material is pressed; pouring the liquid out of thecontainer such that liquid passes through a second filter as it exitsthe container.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a press ring, comprising: a support member; a firstperimeter portion that is connected to the support member by a firstflexible attachment element; a second perimeter portion that isconnected to the support member by a second flexible attachment element;a filter disposed between the first perimeter portion and the secondperimeter portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-down view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a is a side view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b is a side view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a Lid system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top-down view of a Lid system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom-up view of a lid system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a lid retainer according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a Lid system according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a Lid system according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a Push Rod according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a Lid and Cup system according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a Lid and Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cut-out view of a Lid and Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a Lid and Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a Cup, Lid and Press system according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cut-out view of a Cup, Lid and Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a cut-out view of a Lid and Rod system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 a-18 c are flow charts illustrating a method in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a Press Ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view of a Press Ring according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top-down view of a Press Ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a Lid, Cup, Press system according toexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top-down view of a Lid, Cup, Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a side-view of a Lid, Cup, Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a top-down view of a Lid, Cup, and Press system according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a Lid, Cup, and Press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a top-down view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a bottom-up view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a side view of a press ring according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a lid system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an angled view of a lid system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of a lid and press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is an angled view of a lid and press system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a side view of stacked lid and press systems according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a side view of a push rod according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a lid, press, and cup system according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a side view of a lid, press and cup system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a cut-out view of a lid, press and cup system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40A is a press ring flap according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 40B is a diagram of a press ring flap in operation according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

There are many non-disposable beverage press systems available todaysuch as the ‘French Press’. These systems are typically made of glass,metal and plastic and are priced in the medium to expensive range andare to be used for years. These pressing systems are too bulky and notconvenient for taking in the car, transporting, or to dispense a pressedbeverage in a retail setting. What is missing in the commercial, retailand consumer markets is a truly disposable beverage press that is asconvenient to use as a standard disposable beverage cup and isinexpensive.

The beverage press according to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, is comprised of multiple components, each of which solvesdifferent deficiencies and flaws within the prior art presses. Exemplaryembodiments of the components will be described individually, and aspart of exemplary disposable beverage presses.

The “top” and “bottom” of a cup will be referred to throughout thewritten description for ease of reference. The top of the cup refers tothe open end with the wider circumference, and the bottom of the cuprefers to the closed end with the smaller circumference. This conventionis adopted merely for convenience, and should not in any way be read tolimit the breadth of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a Press Ring 1 according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. The Press Ring 1 includes a Filter 11, Flaps12, Flap Attachment Elements 13, a Frame 14, Frame Members 18, Struts15, a Push Rod Guide and Stop 16, and a Lid Alignment Flange 17.

The Frame Members 18 of Frame 14 intersect to form an enclosed area F asshown in FIG. 1. Each Strut 15, extends inwardly from the perimeter ofthe area F defined by the Frame 14, and attaches to the Push Rod Guideand Stop 16. The Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 is disposed at the centerpoint of the area F. The Push Rode Guide and Stop 16 is substantiallycylindrical in shape and volume. The Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 is boredat one end, creating a bore along the axis of the Push Rode Guide andStop 16, but not completely through, leaving one end closed. As will bedescribed later, a push rod bottom may be inserted into the bore. Theaxis of the Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 extends generally perpendicularto the plane of the area F. The Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 may extendthrough (i.e., break) the plane of the area F, or one end of the PushRod Guide and Stop 16 (e.g., the closed end) may abut the area F.

The Flaps 12 are attached to the Frame 14 by the Flap AttachmentElements 13. Each Flap 12 is attached to the Frame 14 such that theplane of the Flap 12 is on substantially the same plane as the enclosedarea F. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,there are eight Frame Members 18, and eight Flaps 12. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that the number of Frame Members 18 andFlaps 12 may be fewer or greater based on specific circumstances.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, there arefour Struts 15, but one of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat number of Struts 15 could be greater or fewer depending on, forexample, the longitudinal compression on the Frame 14 and the FrameMembers 18.

The Filter 11, according to this exemplary embodiment, may besubstantially disc shaped, and disposed across the bottom of the Frame14 and Flaps 12, such that substantially all of the surface area of thearea F, extending to the perimeter of the Flaps 12, is covered by theFilter 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the radius from the center ofthe Filter 11 to the perimeter of the Filter 11 is at least equal to theradius from the center of the Guide Hole 16 to the perimeter formed bythe outer most edge of the Flaps 12, although the radius to theperimeter of the Filter 11 may be longer.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b each are a side view of the Press Ring 1 illustratedin FIG. 1.

As illustrated by FIG. 2 a, the Adhesion Spikes 19 are disposed beneaththe Filter 11, and the Frame 14.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the effect of a force F₁ applied to the Flaps 12.When a sufficient Force F₁ is applied to the Flaps 12, the Flaps 12pivot around a Pivot Point P₁. The location of Pivot Point P₁ depends onthe material and dimensions of the Flap Attachment Element 13 (FIG. 1),but typically Pivot Point P₁ is located near the contact point of a FlapAttachment Element 13 and the Frame 14.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the Flaps 12, pivot around theFlap Attachment Elements 13, which operate like a mechanical hinge. TheAttachment Elements 13 may rotate around a pin, or may be made of amaterial that is sufficiently flexible, such as plastic, paper, etc.

In this exemplary embodiment is essentially a mechanical hinge. One ofordinary skill in the art would know that the present invention is notlimited to the exemplary embodiment of the Press Ring 1 describedherein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that thespecific embodiment of the Press Ring may be changed without divergingfrom the spirit of the invention. For example, the Press Ring couldcrumple or compress as a force is applied to the perimeter. Instead ofFlaps, The Press Ring could have a single continuous flap that pivotsupward, crumples or compresses. Alternatively, the Press Ring couldinclude multiple layers, where a layer fails as a force is applied tothe perimeter. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatother modifications exist.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the Lid System 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The Lid System 2 includes a Lid 20and a Lid Filter 29.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of a Lid 20 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The Lid 20 includes a Pressure Ring23, a Seal 21, and a Press Ring Guide Hole 22. The Lid 20 may alsoinclude a Vent 24, a Condiment Hole 25, and a Pour Spout 26.

The Pressure Ring 23 is a recessed portion disposed around the outerperimeter of the Lid 20. The recessed portion of the Pressure Ring 23engages the lip/rim of a typical beverage container. Once the PressureRing 23 engages the lip/rim of a beverage container, it forms a liquidtight seal.

The Seal 21 is a flexible material disposed around the Press Ring GuideHole 22. The Seal 21 compresses (i.e., flexes in a direction toward thebottom of the Lid 20) when a force is applied on the Seal 21. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the Seal 21 may include slits that allow an objectlarger than the circumference of the Press Ring Guide Hole 22 to passthrough.

According to another exemplary embodiment the Seal 21 is not present.Instead, the push rod may create a liquid tight seal over the Guide Hole22. The liquid tight seal is created, in part, by a Top Flange 42 and aBottom Flange 44 of a Push Rod 4 (FIG. 10), which have a larger diameterthan the Guide Hole 22, and thus can cover the Guide Hole 22.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-up view of the Lid System 2 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. From this perspective itis possible to view the Lid 20, a Filter Slot 27, Lid Filter 29,Condiment Hole 25, Pour Spout 26, and the Press Ring Guide Hole 22.

FIG. 6 is a cut-out view of the Lid System 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Here, the Lid Filter 29 is disposedbeneath the Pour Spout 26. The Lid Filter 29 resides in the Filter Slot27 (not shown), and is attached to the Lid 20 such that it completelycovers the bottom opening of the Pour Spout 26. There are multiple waysthat that Lid Filter 29 could be attached to the Lid 20. For example,the Lid Filter 29 could be glued, welded, sewed, etc. According to thisexemplary embodiment, the filter slot is slightly depressed so that theunderside of the middle portion of the Lid 20 having that Guide Hole 22is not on the same plane.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a Lid System 3 according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, a LidFilter 39 is held in place by a Filter Retainer 38.

FIG. 7 is a bottom up view the Filter Retainer 38 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Filter Retainer 38 isa substantially circular shape. The body of the Filter Retainer 38extends in from a perimeter to a removed portion to form an “O” ring.Holes may be disposed across a portion of the body of the Filterretainer 38, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The perimeter of the FilterRetainer 38 extends upwardly, transverse to the plane of the body of theFilter Retainer 38, around the entire circumference of the Filterretainer 38.

FIG. 8 is a bottom-up view of the Lid System 3 including the filterRetainer 38, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. When the Filter Retainer 38 is fastened to the Lid 30, theremoved portion is dispose beneath the Condiment Hole 35. As explainedabove, the Filter Retainer 38 may also include a second portion withholes that is disposed beneath the Lid Filter 39. The second portionwith holes could also be a removed portion, as long as the Lid Filter 39is held in place, and liquid can pass the Filter Retainer 38 to (andthrough) the Lid Filter 39.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the lid System 3 including the FilterRetainer 38, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The Lid Filter 39 inserts into the lid, and the FilterRetainer 33 inserts into the Lid 30, and abuts the Lid Filter 39,holding it into place.

FIG. 10 illustrates a Push Rod 4 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. The Push Rod 4 includes a Rod Bottom 41, a TopFlange 42, a Lock Flange 43, and a Bottom Flange 44.

FIG. 11 is a cut-out view of a Lid, Cup and Rod System 5 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Lid, Cup and RodSystem 5 includes the Rod 4, the Lid System 3, the Press Ring 1 and theCup 100. The recessed portion of the Pressure Ring 33 of the Lid 30engages the rim/lip of the Cup 100, creating a liquid-tight seal. TheRod Bottom 41 (FIG. 10) inserts into the Push Rode Guide and Stop 16,which is positioned in the Push Rode Guide Hole 32 (FIG. 14).

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a Lid and Press System 6 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Lid and Press System6 includes the Lid 30, the Lid Filter 39, the Filter Retainer 38 (i.e.,the Lid System 3, FIG. 9), and the Press Ring 1.

FIG. 13 is a cut-out view of the Lid and Press System 6 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Push Rod Guide andStop 16 and Lid Alignment Flange 17 inserts into the Press Ring GuideHole 32 (FIG. 14). The Push Rod Guide and Stop 16, Lid Alignment Flange17 and Press Ring Guide Hole 32, couple/snap together using forcecreated from Alignment Flange 17 against the Press Ring Guide Hole 32(FIG. 14).

FIG. 14 is a cut-out view of the Lid and Press System 6 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Push Rod Guide andStop 16 and Lid Alignment Flange 17 inserts into the Press Ring GuideHole 32, located substantially at the center of the body of the Lid 30.In the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 13, the Press Ring GuideHole 32 includes slits extending into the Lid 30. As explained, theseslits may optionally be included to allow the Bottom Flange 44 of thePush Rod 4 (FIGS. 10 and 11) to easily pass through the Press Ring GuideHole 32.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a Cup, Lid and Press System 7 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Cup 100 is atypical beverage container, like those sold by a coffee retailer. TheCup 100 may come in any size, as long as the lip/rim of the Cup 100 canengages the Lid 30.

As described above, the Filter 39 is held in place by the FilterRetainer 38. The Push Rod Guide 16 and Lid Alignment Flange 17, insertinto the Press Ring Guide Hole 32, and the Push Rod Guide 16, LidAlignment Flange 17, and Press Ring Guide Hole 32 couple/snap togetherusing pressure created by the Press Ring Alignment Flange 17 (FIG. 1 andFIG. 14).

The Push Rod Bottom 41 inserts into the Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 (FIG.10 and FIG. 1). When pressure is applied to the Push Rod Top Flange 42(FIG. 10), after insertion into the Press Ring Press Guide Hole 32, thePress Ring 1 is forced out of the Lid 30. The Push Rod 4 forces thePress Ring 1 toward the distal end of the Cup 100.

FIG. 16 is a cut-out view of the Cup, Lid and Press System 7 after thePress Ring 1 separates from the Lid 30 due to the applied force thatdisengages the Alignment Flange 17 from the Press Ring Guide Hole 32.

In this exemplary embodiment, the body of the Cup 100 tapers from top tothe bottom, that is, the circumference of the Cup 100 shrinks from thetop to the bottom. Thus, as the Press Ring 1 travels down the axis ofthe Cup 100, a force F_(C) is applied at the Flaps 12 in the oppositedirection that the Press Ring 1 is traveling. The force F_(C) causes theAttachment Elements 13 to bend uniformly while the Flaps 12 stillmaintain contact with the inner wall of the Cup 100.

Continued pressure on the Push Rod Top 42 continues to force the PressRing 1 downwardly along the axis of the Cup 100 until the AdhesionSpikes 19 (if included, see FIG. 2 a) contact the bottom of the Cup 100.The Adhesion Spikes 19 maintain contact with the bottom of the Cup 100.

FIG. 17 is a cut-out view of the Lid 30 and the Push Rod 4. The LockFlange 43 (FIG. 10) of the Push Rod 4 catches under the Press Ring GuideHole 32 and the Guide Hole Seal 31. The Seal 31 is depressed by theforce of the Top Flange 42 (FIG. 10). The depressed Seal 31 flexesdownwardly and creates a seal over the Press Ring Guide Hole 32 with theLock Flange 43 (FIG. 10).

Next, the use of the Lid, Ring and Cup system 7 (i.e., the beveragepress) will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 a-18 c illustrate the steps to produce an infused beverage usinga beverage press with references to FIGS. 7-16, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. A beverage material,e.g., ground coffee, tea, etc., may be deposited into the beveragecontainer (Step S1). Next, a liquid, hot or cold, is added to the Cup100 (Step S2). A Lid and Press System 6 is fitted over the opening ofthe Cup 100 such that the Pressure Ring 33 of the Lid 30 engages therim/lip of the Cup 100 (Step S3). Next, the Push Rod Bottom 41 isinserted into the Push Rod Guide and Stop 16 (Step S4). Once the PushRod Bottom 41 is inserted into the Push Rod Guide and Stop 16, pressuresis applied to the Top Flange 42 of the Push Rod 4 (FIG. 10), thedownward pressure decouples the Alignment Flange 17 from the Press RingGuide Hole 32 (Step S5). Pressure on the Top Flange 42 of the Push Rod 4(FIG. 10) separates the Press Ring 1 from of the Lid System 3, and intothe Cup 100 (Step S6). Pressure on the Push Rod Top Flange 42 moves thePress Ring 1 along the axis of the Cup 100 toward the distal end, andeventually the Press Ring 1 contacts the mix of beverage material (e.g.,coffee grounds) and liquid (Step S7). As pressure continues to force thePress Ring 1 toward the distal end of the Cup 100, the infused liquidpasses through the Filter 11, but the beverage grounds (and any otherdebris) is collected beneath the Filter 11, and is pushed along the axisof the Cup 100 by the Filter 11 (Step S8).

In this exemplary embodiment, the Cup 100 tapers (i.e., thecircumference of the Cup 100 decreases from the top to the bottom), andis made of a flexible material, such as paper or Styrofoam®. Flaps 12and Filter 11 maintain contact with the inner wall of the Cup 100 as thePress Ring 1 moves downward. This contact insures that most of thebeverage material and debris remains under the Filter 11. Continuedpressure on the Push Rod Top Flange 42 forces the Press Ring 1, thebeverage material, and any debris to the bottom of the cup (Step S9).Lock Flange 43 (FIG. 10) catches under the Press Ring Guide Hole 32(Step S10). The Seal 31 compresses down around the Press Ring Guide Hole32 by the Push Rod Top Flange 42 to seal the Press Ring Guide Hole 32around the Push Rod 4 (Step S11). This stops the liquid from passingthrough the Press Ring Guide Hole 32, and holds the Push Rod 4 firmlypressed against the Push Rod Guide and Stop 16, which in turn holds thePress Ring 1 near the bottom of the Cup 100.

If there are Adhesion Spikes 19 beneath the Press Ring 1, the AdhesionSpikes 19 will remain firmly pressed against the bottom of the Cup 100.

At this point, condiments may be added to the coffee cup via theCondiment Hole 35, by first pressing on the Condiment Hole Cover until aperforated portion separates from the lid, and then adding thecondiments via the condiment hole Cover (Step not shown). However, thisstep is not required.

Next, as the Cup 100 is tipped, some beverage material and debris“escapes” from beneath the Filter 11, between the Inner Wall of the Cup100, the Flaps 12 and Filter 11 (Step S12). As explained above, this isbecause the beverage cup is made of a material that does not readilymaintain its shape, and when the liquid is of a sufficient temperature(the temperature of a cup of coffee), the material is even moremalleable. Thus, when the cup is tipped, or even when the Flaps 12 andFilter 11 apply force to the inner wall of the Cup 100, the crosssection of the Cup 100 is deformed from a substantially circular shapeto, for example, an oval shape, and beverage material and debris escapeupward past the Flaps 12 and Filter 11.

As the Cup 100 is tipped, infused liquid passes through Lid Filter 39(Step S13) Any beverage material or debris that escaped passed the Flaps12 and Filter 11 is trapped beneath Lid Filter 39, so that only liquidpass through the Pour Spout 36.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a Press Ring 200 according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a side view of the PressRing 200. The Press Ring 200 includes a Filter 201, a Guide and Stop202, an Alignment Flange 203, Upper Flaps 204, and Lower Flaps 205.According to this exemplary embodiment, the Filter 201 is disposedbetween the Upper Flaps 204 and the Lower Flaps 205. Both the UpperFlaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205 are attached to an Upper Frame 209 and aLower Frame 210, and pivot around Flap Attachment Elements 208, thatcouple the Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205, to the Upper Frame 209and the Lower Frame 210.

The Upper Flaps 204 are connected to the perimeter of an Upper Frame209, and the Lower Flaps are connected to the perimeter of a Lower Frame210.

FIG. 20 is a top-down view of the Press Ring 200, that makes it possibleto see that the Press Ring 200 further includes Struts 207, an UpperFrame 209, and Attachment Elements 208. The Guide and Stop 202 isdisposed at the center of the area defined by the Upper Frame 209. TheStruts 207 extend from the Upper Frame 209 to the Guide and Stop 202.One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the number ofStruts 207 could change.

The Guide and Stop 202, as with the Guide and Stop 16 (FIG. 1), couplesto the Lid 20 (e.g., FIG. 3) by inserting into the Guide Hole 22 (FIG.4). The Press Ring 200 and a Lid 20 (FIG. 3) “snap” together, by applypressure to the Press Ring 200 until the Alignment Flange 203 passesthrough the Press Ring Guide Hole 22 (FIG. 4). The Press Ring 200 stayscoupled to the Lid 30 (FIG. 4) by the pressure of the Press Ring GuideHole 22 on the Alignment Flange 203.

The Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205 may be at a position so the thatthe plane of the flaps are on substantially the same plane as the areadefined by the Upper Frame 209 and Lower Frame 210. As with the PressRing 1 (FIG. 1), when the Press Ring 204 moves from the Lid 30 (FIG. 4)to the distal end of a beverage container, if the beverage containertapers toward the distal end, the inner walls of the beverage containerexert a force that causes the Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205 topivot in the opposite direction as the Press Ring 204 is moving.

In another exemplary embodiment, the Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205may be bent downward (toward the distal end of the beverage container)at a 45 degree angle. By bending the Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205before pressing the Press Ring 200, when the inner wall of the beveragecontainer exerts a force on the Upper Flaps 204 and Lower Flaps 205, theflaps will bend toward the distal end of the beverage container, in thesame direction that the Press Ring 200 is moving. As the Upper Flaps 204and lower Flaps 205 bend toward the distal end of the beveragecontainer, the flaps may form a basket-like enclosure around thebeverage material and any other debris collected under the Filter 201.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the Upper Flaps 204 and LowerFlaps 205, pivot around the Attachment Elements 208, which operate likea mechanical hinge. The Attachment Elements 208 may rotate around a pin,or it may be made of a material that is sufficiently flexible, such asplastic, paper, etc. Additional mechanical hinges may be added so thatthat the flaps bend at more than one point. For example, additionalhinges could be added at the point where the Upper Flaps 204 and LowerFlaps 205 contact the Attachment Element 208, and hinges could be addedat the point where the Attachment Elements 208 contact the Upper Frame209 and Lower Frame 208. By adding additional hinges, the Press Ring 200may assume a more basket like enclosure around the beverage material anddebris.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the Press Ring 200 in the closed position. TheUpper Frame 209 and the Lower Frame 210, close, holding between them theFilter 201. The Upper Frame 209 and Lower Frame 210 could be closedduring manufacturing, for example by a welding, or later, by “snapping”together the two pieces using methods known to those having ordinaryskill in the art.

FIGS. 27 through 30 illustrate a Press Ring 601 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is an explodedview of the Press Ring 601. In this exemplary embodiment, the Press Ring601 may include an Upper Press Ring Portion 608, a Press Ring Filter610, and a Lower Press Ring Portion 609. The Upper Press Ring Portion608 may include Upper Flaps 612, Upper Attachment Elements 613, UpperStrut 615, Push Rod Guide and Stop 616, Lid Alignment Flange 617, StackGuide 618, and Press Ring Pin Guide Hole 614. Press Ring Filter 610 mayinclude Press Ring Filter Pin Holes 611. Lower Press Ring Portion 609may include Lower Flaps 622, Pressure Relief Control 627, LowerAttachment Elements 623, Lower Struts 625, Lower Frame 621, Stack Probe628, and Press Ring Pins 624.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, the Upper Press RingPortion 608 and the Lower Press Ring Portion 609 “snap” together,holding the Press Ring Filter 610 between the two portions. The PressRing Pins 624 pass through the Press Ring Filter Pin Holes 611 andinsert into the Press Ring Pin Guide Holes 614. A flange at the end ofthe Press Ring Pins 624 stops the Press Ring Pins 624 from retractingback through the Press Ring Pin Guide Holes 614, fastening the UpperPress Ring Portion 608 to the Lower Press Ring Portion 609. The UpperPress Ring Portion 608 and Lower Press Ring Portion 609 may also fastentogether by, for example, welding, adhesive, or other means known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 through 30, theUpper Flaps 612 and the Lower Flaps 622 are bent in a downward (whatwould be toward the distal end of a beverage cup) angle. The Upper Flaps612 and Lower Flaps 622 should be sufficiently angled such that theflaps clear the mouth of a beverage cup when the Press Ring 601 isinserted into a cup. However, the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622should not be given such a severe angle that debris escapes around theflaps. In one exemplary embodiment the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps622 are angled such that flaps contact the inner wall of a beveragecontainer, as illustrated in FIG. 38. As further illustrated in FIG. 38,pressure on the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 (shown in FIG. 30)from the inner walls of the Beverage Container 650 acts to hold thePress Ring 601 “seated” near the distal end of the Beverage Container650.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 through 30, the Pressure Relief Control 627,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may be anotch disposed at the perimeter of Lower Flaps 612. As beverage materialgathers underneath the Press Ring Filter 610, it may slow or stop theflow of fluid through the Press Ring Filter 610. The remaining fluid,debris, and beverage material may accumulate beneath the Lower Flaps 622and the Upper Flaps 612, and, as the Press Ring 601 is urged toward thedistal end of the beverage container, exert pressure on the Lower Flaps622 and Upper Flaps 612. This pressure can bend upward (away from thedistal end of the beverage container) one or more of the Lower Flaps 622and Upper Flaps 612. If one or more of the Lower Flaps 622 and UpperFlaps 612 bend upward, a gap may form sufficient to allow unfilteredfluid (i.e., fluid including debris and beverage material) to bypass thePress Ring Filter 610, and contaminate the filtered fluid. Further, thepressure on the Lower Flaps 622 and Upper Flaps 612 from the remainingfluid and beverage material may be sufficient to stop the urging of thePress Ring 601 toward the distal end of a beverage container. If thePress Ring 601 stops before it seats (described above), then the PressRing 601 could retract (i.e., move away from the distal end of thebeverage container) if the beverage container is tilted or jostled,which in turn may allow unfiltered fluid to bypass the Press Ring Filter610.

The Pressure Relief Control 627 allows a limited amount of fluid anddebris to bypass the Press Ring Filter 610, sufficient to reduce thepressure on the flaps which might otherwise cause one or more of theUpper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 to bend upwards, or obstruct thePress Ring 601 from seating at the distal end of the beverage container.In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 through 30, thePressure Relief Control 627 may be a notch disposed at the perimeter ofeach of the Lower Flaps 622. A notch disposed at the permieter of eachof the Lower Flaps 622 equalizes the pressure on the all of the LowerFlaps 622 and Upper Flaps 612. However, a single notch on a single LowerFlap 622 could provide sufficient pressure relief. The Pressure ReliefControl 627 may be disposed anywhere on the Lower Flaps 622 to allow asufficiently limited amount of fluid and debris to bypass the Press RingFilter 610, and to reduce the pressure on the Lower Flaps 622 and UpperFlaps 612. For example, the Pressure Relief Control 627 could be one ormore holes or slits through the Lower Flaps 622. Alternatively, theUpper Flaps 612 may have a smaller angle than the Lower Flaps 622,forming a small space between the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622that allows a sufficient amount of fluid and debris to bypass the PressRing Filter 610 to relieve the pressure on the Upper Flaps 612 and theLower Flaps 622. The Pressure Relief Control 627 is not limited to theLower Flap 622, and could be disposed on the Upper Flaps 612 in any ofthe manners described above.

The Stack Probe 628 illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29, will now bedescribed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The Stack Probe 628 may be a cylindrical, elongated member, thatprotrudes from the bottom of the Lower Press ring Portion 609. Asillustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29, the Stack Probe 628 protrudes from thecenter of the area formed by the Lower Frame 621, which, in thisexemplary embodiment, is a point where the Lower Struts 625 intersect.The Stack Probe 628 includes a Stack Stop 629, which may be a flange orridge formed by a wider diameter at the top (the end of the Stack Probe628 that contacts the Lower Struts 625) of the Stack Probe 628 thanalong the length of the remainder of the Stack Probe 628. The StackProbe 628 may be shaped so that it will insert into the Stack Guide 618,which, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, isalso the Push Rod Guide and Stop 616. When the Stack Probe 628 insertsinto the Stack Guide 618, the Stack Stop 629 abuts a ridge or flangeinside the Stack Guide 618 and impedes the Stack Probe 628 frominserting farther. In this manner, multiple Press Rings 601 may bestacked without damaging the frames or flaps of the Press Ring 601.According to another exemplary embodiment, the Stack Probe 628 may belong enough that the bottom (the distal end of the Stack Probe 628 fromthe Lower Struts 625) can abut the bottom of the Stack Guide 618.

FIG. 28 is a top-down view of the Press Ring 601, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 illustrates thePush Rod Guide and Stop 616, the Stack Guide 618, the Press Ring Filter610, Upper Flaps 612, Lower Flaps 622, Press Ring Pins 624 and PressRing Pin Guide Holes 614. The Press Ring 601 illustrated in FIG. 28 isin a closed position. The Upper Press Ring Portion 608 and Lower Pressring Portion 609 are snapped, or fastened, together by the Press RingPins 624 and Press Ring Pin Guide Holes 614, with the Press Ring Filter610 between. The Upper Flaps 612 overlap the space between the LowerFlaps 622, and may partially cover the Lower Flaps 622 to form a morecomplete barrier against fluid, debris, and beverage material. Betweenthe Upper Flaps 612, are the Lower Flaps 622, including the PressureRelief Control 627.

FIG. 29 is a top-down view of the Press Ring 601 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 illustrates atleast the Upper Flap 612, Lower Flap 622, Pressure Relief Control 627,Stack Probe 628, and Stack Stop 629. FIG. 29 illustrates the exemplaryembodiment where the Stack Stop 629 may be formed by increasing thediameter of the base of the Stack Probe 628 relative to the remainder ofthe Stack Probe 628. The Stack 629 is not limited to such an embodiment,and could, for example, be a ring of material protruding all the wayaround, or part of the way around, the elongated shaft of the StackProbe 628.

FIG. 30 is a side-view of the Press Ring 601, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 illustrates at least theUpper Flaps 612, Lower Flaps 622, Press Ring Pins 624, Press Ring PinGuide Holes 614, Push Rod Guide and Stop 616, Lid Alignment flange 617,Stack Guide 618, Stack Probe 628, and Pressure Relief Control 627. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 areangled downward at approximately a 45° angle.

A Lid System 602 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 31-32.

FIG. 31 is an exploded-view of a Lid System 602, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to thisexemplary embodiment, the Lid System 602 includes a Lid 630 and a LidFilter 631. The Lid 630 may include a Pour Spout 635, Press Ring GuideHole 633, Filter Slot 632, and Pressure Ring 634. The Pressure Ring 634may be a recessed portion disposed around the outer perimeter of the Lid630. The recessed portion of the Pressure Ring 634 engages the lip/rimof a typical beverage container. Once the Pressure Ring 634 engages thelip/rim of a beverage container, it forms a liquid tight seal.

FIG. 32 is a side-view of the Lid System 602. The Pour Spout 635 may bea raised portion along a part of the perimeter of the dome of the Lid630. According to one exemplary embodiment, the Pour Spout 635 is of asufficient height (i.e., protrude out along the y-axis) to form asurface area that provides sufficient “lip grip” to create a water-tightseal between a user's lip and the Pour Spout 635. “Lip grip” refers tothe ability of a user to “grip” the Pour Spout 635 with their lipbecause there is sufficient surface area to contact the lip.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the Lid 630 does not include aseal around the Press Ring Guide Hole 633. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the Push Rod 640, as illustrated in FIG. 36, includes a LockFlange 643 between the Top Flange 642 and Bottom Flange 644. The LockFlange 643 engages the perimeter edge of the Press Ring Guide Hole 633,with the Top Flange 642 above and extending across the perimeter edge ofthe Press Ring Guide Hole 633, and the Bottom Flange 644 below andextending across the perimeter edge of the Press Ring Guide Hole 633.This forms a liquid-tight seal.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate a Lid and Press System 603 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is an explodedview of the Lid and Press System 603. The Lid and Press System 603 mayinclude a Press Ring 601 and a Lid System 602. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the Push Rod Guide and Stop 616 and Lid Alignment Flange 617inserts into the Press Ring Guide Hole 636, and the Lid Alignment flange617 engages the Press Ring Guide Hole 636 such that the Press Ring 601may be attached to the Lid System 602, as illustrated in FIG. 34.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34, the UpperFlaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 are angled downward away from the LidSystem 602.

FIG. 35 illustrates Lid and Press Systems 603 stacked, one on top of theother, by utilizing the Stack Probe 628, Stack Stop 629 and Stack Guide618, described above.

FIG. 36 illustrates a Push Rod 640 according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. The Push Rod 640 may include a Rod Bottom 641,Top Flange 642, Lock Flange 643, and Bottom Flange 644. According to anexemplary embodiment the Bottom Flange 644 may be cone-shaped. The LockFlange 643 may be formed by the base of the cone-shaped Bottom Flange644 and the Top Flange 642, which form an indentation around the PushRod 640.

FIGS. 37-39 illustrate a Cup, Lid, and Press System 700 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 illustrate anexploded-view of the Cup, Lid, and Press System 700. The Cup, Lid andPress System 700 may include a Push Rod 640, a Lid 630, a Lid Filter631, a Press Ring 601 and a Cup 650.

FIG. 38 is a cut-out view of the Cup, Lid and Press System 700 after thePress Ring 601 separates from the Lid 630 due to the applied force fromthe Push Rod 640 that disengages the Lid Alignment Flange 617 from thePress Ring Guide Hole 633.

In this exemplary embodiment, the body of the Cup 650 tapers from top tothe bottom, that is, the circumference of the Cup 650 shrinks from thetop to the bottom. The Upper Flaps 612 and the Lower Flaps 622 (as shownin FIG. 30) are angled downward. As the Press Ring 601 travels down theaxis of the Cup 650, a force F_(C) (illustrated in FIG. 40B) is appliedat the Upper Flaps 612 and the Lower Flaps 622, urging the Upper Flaps612 and the Lower Flaps 622 to bend farther inward. The Upper Flaps 612and the Lower Flaps 622, in-turn apply a force F_(F) (illustrated inFIG. 40 b) outward against the inner wall of the Cup 650. The forceF_(C) causes the Upper Attachment Elements 613 and Lower AttachmentElements 603 to bend uniformly while the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps622 maintain contact with the inner wall of the Cup 650. The Press Ring601 “seats” at the bottom of the cup, where the force F_(C) holds thePress Ring 601 at the bottom of the Cup 650 in addition to the forcefrom the Push Rod 640.

As explained above, fluid and beverage material gathered beneath theLower Flaps 622 and the Upper Flaps 612 may put pressure on the flaps,forcing one or more of the Lower Flaps 622 and the Upper Flaps 612 toangle upwards, obstructing the Press Ring 601 from properly seating atthe bottom of the Cup 650, or shifting the entire Press Ring 650a-kilter. As illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B, according to an exemplaryembodiment, in addition, or separate, to the Pressure Relief Control627, described above, the surface area of the Upper Flaps 612 and LowerFlaps 622 that contact the inner wall of the Cup 650 may be treated toincrease the coefficient of friction between the Upper Flaps 612 andLower Flaps 622, and the inner wall of the Cup 650. By increasing thecoefficient of friction, and as illustrated in FIG. 40B, the frictionalforce F_(FR) acts on the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 (not shown)to keep the flaps angled downward, countering the force F_(FL) appliedfrom the pressure of the accumulated fluid, beverage material, anddebris beneath the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622.

The Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 may be treated according tomethods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including, but notlimited to, etching, barbing, roughing, or utilizing other frictionenhancing materials, such as rubber. In another exemplary embodimentaccording to the present invention, the inner wall of the Cup 650 may betreated to increase the coefficient of friction between the inner walland the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622.

FIG. 39 is a cut-out-view of the Lid System 602 and Push Rod 640according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 39, the Lock Flange 643 has engaged the perimeteredge of the Press Ring Guide Hole 633, with the Top Flange 642 above andextending across the perimeter edge of the Press Ring Guide Hole 633,and the Bottom Flange 644 below and extending across the perimeter edgeof the Press Ring Guide Hole 633.

Next, the operation of the Lid, Ring and Cup system 700 will bedescribed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,with reference to FIGS. 27-40B

As illustrated in FIG. 41, a beverage material, e.g., ground coffee,tea, etc., may be deposited into the Cup 650 (Step S101). Next, aliquid, hot or cold, is added to the Cup 650 (Step S102). A Lid andPress System 603 is fitted over the opening of the Cup 650 such that thePressure Ring 634 of the Lid 630 engages the rim/lip of the Cup 650(Step S103). Next, the Push Rod Bottom 641 is inserted into the Push RodGuide and Stop 616 (Step S104). Once the Push Rod Bottom 641 is insertedinto the Push Rod Guide and Stop 616, pressures is applied to the TopFlange 642 of the Push Rod 640, the downward pressure decouples the LidAlignment Flange 617 from the Press Ring Guide Hole 633 (Step S105).Pressure on the Top Flange 642 of the Push Rod 640 separates the PressRing 601 from of the Lid System 602, and into the Cup 650 (Step S106).Pressure on the Top Flange 642 moves the Press Ring 601 along the axisof the Cup 650 toward the distal end, and eventually the Press Ring 601contacts the mix of beverage material (e.g., coffee grounds) and liquid(Step S107). As pressure urges the Press Ring 601 toward the distal endof the Cup 650, the infused liquid passes through the Press Ring Filter610, and beverage material and debris collects beneath the Press RingFilter 610, pushed along the axis of the Cup 650 by the Pres Ring Filter610 (Step S108).

In this exemplary embodiment, the Cup 650 tapers (i.e., thecircumference of the Cup 650 decreases from the top to the bottom), andis made of a flexible material, such as paper or Styrofoam®. The UpperFlaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 are initially angled downward, asillustrated in FIGS. 34 and 38. The Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622maintain contact with the inner wall of the Cup 650 as the Press Ring601 moves downward (S109). This contact ensures that most of thebeverage material and debris remains under the Press Ring Filter 610.Continued pressure on the Top Flange 642 forces the Press Ring 601, thebeverage material, and any debris to the bottom of the cup (Step S110).As the beverage material, fluid and debris accumulate beneath the PressRing Filter 610, the flow of fluid through the Press Ring Filter 610slows, and the fluid, beverage material, and debris accumulate beneaththe Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622. A part of the accumulatedfluid, beverage material, and debris passes through the Press ReliefControl 627, relieving any pressure on the Upper Flaps 612 and LowerFlaps 622 (Step 111).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the Lock Flange 643 catches underthe Press Ring Guide Hole 633 (Step S112). This stops the liquid frompassing through the Press Ring Guide Hole 633, and holds the Push Rod640 firmly pressed against the Push Rod Guide and Stop 616, which inturn seats the Press Ring 601 near the bottom of the Cup 650, along withthe force from the inner wall of the cup F_(C).

Next, as the Cup 650 is tipped, some beverage material and debris“escape” through the Pressure Relief Control 627, and from between theinner wall of the Cup 650 and the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622.As explained above, escapage between the inner wall of the Cup 650 andthe flaps may occur because the beverage cup is made of a material thatdoes not readily maintain its shape, and when the liquid is of asufficient temperature (the temperature of a cup of coffee), thematerial is even more malleable. Thus, when the cup is tipped, or evenwhen the Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622 apply force to the innerwall of the Cup 650, the cross section of the Cup 650 is deformed from asubstantially circular shape to, for example, an oval shape, andbeverage material and debris escape upward past the edges of the UpperFlaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622. Escaping beverage material and debris,however, are reduced in this exemplary embodiment, because, among otherreasons, the downward angled Upper Flaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622maintain contact with the inner wall at a point closer to the distal endof the Cup 650, holding the beverage material and debris in abasket-like enclosure. Further, the walls of the Cup 650 deform to alesser degree near the distal end of the Cup 650.

As the Cup 650 is tipped, infused liquid passes through Lid Filter 631(Step S113) Any beverage material or debris that escaped by the UpperFlaps 612 and Lower Flaps 622, or passed through the Pressure ReliefControl 627, is trapped beneath Lid Filter 631, so that only liquidpasses through the Pour Spout 635.

Turning to another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 22 is a cut-out view of aLid, Cup, Press 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The Lid, Cup, System 300, instead of a press ring, uses avertical filtration system, operated by a Side Lever 301. The SlideFilter 302 is attached to the Slide Lever 401, and extends downward tothe bottom of the Cup 307. The Slide Lever 301 is disposed on Lid 304.By sliding the Slide Lever 301 across the Lid 304, the Slide Filter 302moves horizontally, collecting Beverage Material 311.

FIG. 23 is a top-down view of the Lid, Cup, Press System 300. A SlideLever Slot 306 is located on the top of the Lid 304. The Slide LeverSlot 306 extends across the diameter of the Lid 304. The Slide LeverSlot 306 opening extends into the Lid 304, so that the Slide Lever 301may be attached to the Slide Filter 302. As the Slide Lever 301 is movedalong the Slide Lever Slot 36, the attached Slide Filter 302 is pulledin the same direction, filtering the Beverage Material 311. When theLid, Cup, Press System 300 is tipped to pour out liquid, any BeverageMaterial 311 or other debris that is not collected by the Slide Filter302 is collected by the Lid Filter 303, located beneath the Pour Spout305.

FIG. 24 is a cut-out view of a Lid, Cup, Press System 400 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Lid, Cup, System400, instead of a press ring, uses a vertical filtration system,operated by a Dial 401. The Slide Filter 402 is attached to the Dial401, and extends downward to the bottom of the Cup 407. The Dial 401 isdisposed on Lid 404. By turning the dial 401, the Slide Filter 402 moveshorizontally, collecting Beverage Material 411.

FIG. 25 is a top-down view of the Lid, Cup, Press System 400. The Dial401 is disposed at the top of the Lid 404. As the Dial 401 is turned,the attached Slide Filter 402 is pulled across the Cup 407, filteringthe Beverage Material 411. When the Lid, Cup, Press System 400 is tippedto pour out liquid, any Beverage Material 411 or other debris that isnot collected by the Slide Filter 402 is collected by the Lid Filter403, located beneath the Pour Spout 405.

FIG. 26 is a cut-out view of a Lid, Cup and Static Press System 500,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Lid,Cup, and Static Press System 500 includes a Press Ring with Filter 501,A Lid 502, a Lid Filter 503, a Static Rod 504, a Pour Spout 505, and aCup 506. The Static Rod 504, Press Ring with Filter 501 and Lid 502 area single unit. The Static Rod 504 is attached to the underside of theLid 502 on one end, and the Press Ring with Filter 501 on the other end.By making the Lid 502, Static Rod 504 and Press Ring with Filter 501 asingle unit, there is no need for a Guide and Stop 16 (FIG. 1) or aGuide Hole 22 (FIG. 2), as in other embodiments. This obviates the needfor a Press Rod 4, which has a Top Flange 42 and Bottom Flange 44 (FIG.10). To use the Lid, Cup and Static Press System 500, beverage materialis placed in the Cup 506, a liquid is added, and then the single unit ofthe Lid 502, Static Rod 504, and Press Ring with Filter 501, is attachedto the Cup 506. As the Lid 502 is placed on the Cup 506, the Press Ringwith Filter 501 presses beverage material and any debris to the bottomof the cup by collecting the beverage material and debris beneath thefilter in the Press Ring with Filter 501. When the cup is tipped to pourout water via the Pour Spout 505, any beverage material or debris thatescapes the Press Ring with Filter 501, is collected by the Lid Filter503.

One of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention could takemany different embodiments, and the described embodiments are notintended to limit the invention thereto. For example, instead of a pushrod, in another exemplary embodiment, a string is located at the bottomof the beverage container that passes through the bottom (i.e., closed)end of the cup and attaches to a press ring. When pulled, the stringapplies a force to the press ring, pulling it toward the distal end ofthe beverage container.

In another exemplary embodiment, the beverage grounds are placed at thebottom of a cup during a manufacturing process. A press ring, similar tothe Press Ring 1 (FIG. 1), or Press Ring 200 (FIG. 19), holds thebeverage material against the bottom of the cup. After adding a hotliquid, a Lid, such as Lid 20 (FIG. 4), is placed over the cup. The hotliquid is infused through the filter in the Press Ring. In anotherexemplary embodiment, a tight seal is maintained between the press ringand the wall of the cup, and a typical disposable beverage container lidis used instead of a Lid 20.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is no press ring, merely a filtermade of, for example plastic.

One of ordinary skill in the art would realize that there are manyadvantages achieved by the components and systems described above. Forexample, the Lid and Press system described above can be utilized inmost commercially available dome lids. The Lid and Press system isstackable just like the dome lids available at many retailers. Further,the Lid and Press System will fit on the typical cup found at manyretailers. Further, the Press Lid and Press system described aboverequires virtually no assembly, other than snapping the Lid and Presssystem on a cup and inserting the Rod.

1. A press ring used in a beverage press, the press ring comprising: afirst frame element; a filter disposed over the frame element; a firstplurality of flap elements hingably connected to the first frameelement; and a pressure relief element.
 2. The press ring according toclaim 1, further comprising: a second frame element; and a secondplurality of flap elements hingably connected to the first frameelement.
 3. The press ring according to claim 2, wherein the filter isdisposed between the first frame element and the second frame element.4. The press ring according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality offlap elements are angled down.
 5. The press ring according to claim 2,wherein the second plurality of flap elements are angled down.
 6. Thepress ring according to claim 1, wherein the pressure relief element isone or more of a notch, hole, and slit.
 7. The press ring according toclaim 1, wherein the pressure relief element is disposed at theperimeter of one or more of the first plurality of flap elements.
 8. Thepress ring according to claim 2, wherein the pressure relief element isdisposed at the perimeter of one or more of the second plurality of flapelements.
 9. The press ring according to claim 1, the one or more of theplurality of first flap elements comprising a friction enhancingsurface.
 10. The press ring according to claim 9, the friction enhancingsurface comprising etching, barbs, or roughing.
 11. The press ringaccording to claim 2, the one or more of the plurality of second flapelements comprising a friction enhancing surface.
 12. The press ringaccording to claim 11, the friction enhancing surface comprisingetching, barbs, or roughing.
 13. The press ring according to claim 1,further comprising: a stack probe; and a stack guide.
 14. A method ofseparating material from a liquid, the method comprising: filtering thematerial from the liquid with a press filter; allowing unfilteredmaterial and liquid to pass through the press filter; and filtering theunfiltered material and liquid that passed through the press filter witha second filter.
 15. The method of separating material from a liquidaccording to claim 14, the press filter comprising: a first frameelement with a first plurality of hingably connected flap elements; asecond frame element with a second plurality of hingably connected flapelements; a filter disposed between the first frame element and thesecond frame element.
 16. The method of separating material from aliquid according to claim 15, wherein the first plurality of hingablyconnected flap elements and the second plurality of hingably connectedflap elements are angled down at a hingable connection element.
 17. Themethod of separating material from a liquid according to claim 14, themethod further comprising, frictionally maintaining contact between aperimeter portion of the press filter and an inner wall of a cup. 18.The method of separating material from a liquid according to claim 14,the method further comprising, enclosing the separated material beneaththe press filter.
 19. A press ring used in a beverage press, the pressring comprising: filtering means for filtering a fluid; blocking meansfor blocking fluid from passing through the press ring without passingthrough the filtering means; and relief means for relieving pressure onthe blocking means.
 20. The press ring used in a beverage pressaccording to claim 19, the press ring comprising, contact means formaintaining contact between the blocking means and an inner wall of abeverage container.
 21. The press ring used in a beverage pressaccording to claim 19, the press ring comprising, means for stacking thepress ring on another press ring.